SUPPORT AND JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST ENDOMETRIOSIS

BECAUSE THERE IS HOPE FOR A NEW MEDICINE

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Join our crowdfunding campaign

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My story

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I am Geert, living in Belgium, the driving force behind this crowdfunding campaign and the entire project.

How it all began...

Some time ago, I happened to come into contact for the first time with the devastating impact of the disease endometriosis.

The daughter of a good friend is unfortunately affected by this debilitating illness. It is utterly shocking to witness and experience… Studying has become impossible for this young woman due to the pain and discomfort! Earning her diploma? No certainty! Surgery brought only temporary relief. The horrific symptoms and intense pain came back! Her life is entirely controlled and devastated by this disease. Pain currently dominates her existence. Can we even speak of quality of life in such a case?

Can something be done about this, I wondered? As a scientist specialized in the life sciences, I was deeply moved and compelled by this issue. I began to explore scientific and medical literature.

From this research, a new concept emerged and took shape: a new medicine. In fact, a new therapy — one that brings benefits without the drawbacks of conventional treatments.

THERE IS HOPE!

My search continued. Which gynaecologist would believe in this and be willing to help carry this project? Because I can’t do this alone.

An accessible book about endometriosis revealed the solution: the author!
A gynaecologist and professor affiliated with the University of Hasselt, specialized in the treatment of endometriosis: Dr. Jasper Verguts.

Dr. Verguts was immediately on board, because in his opinion, the concept is both feasible and workable. Positive news!

But of course, this still needs to be proven in practice. How?

Quite simply: by testing it on women suffering from endometriosis. Though in practice, this is not so simple – and especially very expensive!

To be able to test it, the medicine first needs to be produced.

So the next question quickly followed: who can develop this medicine so that we can test it on patients and prove that it truly works? And on top of that, it needs to be manufactured in accordance with all legal and very strict pharmaceutical regulations.

After thorough research, I came across two reliable companies – one based near New York in the United States, and the other, incredibly enough, right here in Belgium! A biotech company from the Liège region, called UniD Manufacturing.

After numerous discussions, it became clear that they could take on this task – but that a significant amount of funding is needed to properly carry out this concept.

 

How much money?

The staggering amount of 1.5 million euros!

The next question was a big one: where am I going to find that much money?

From investors? Those willing to dive into the project and share in the risk by providing seed capital (funding to develop an idea into a prototype — exactly what we aim to do!).

Unfortunately, there was nothing but silence on that front — so silent you could hear a pin drop.

That’s why we’re launching this crowdfunding campaign! It gives us the opportunity to kick off the project and, in the near future, convince investors of the concept by showing that IT CAN BE DONE!

Because yes, a lot of money is needed — too much to be raised through crowdfunding alone.

What are we going to do?

Developing a clinically proven prototype of a new medicine for the treatment of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

This technology will be patented and then transferred to a major pharmaceutical player with the financial capacity to further develop and approve it into a market-ready medication.

Dr. Geert Jackers will take on the scientific coordination and leadership of the entire research project.

The Liège-based life sciences company UniD Manufacturing will produce the new medicine, conduct extensive laboratory testing, and finally manufacture GMP-compliant doses for the subsequent clinical trials on endometriosis patients.

Clinical trials will be conducted at Jessa Hospital in Hasselt under the supervision of gynaecologist Prof. Dr. Jasper Verguts, in accordance with European Regulation 536/2014.

It is important to emphasize that the entire development will be carried out by top Belgian scientists!

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Who is who?

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Dr. Geert Jackers

Dr. Geert Jackers is a chemist who earned his PhD at Ghent University, Belgium, for his research on biodegradable polymers for bone regeneration — a study that was later patented. He then worked for many years as an R&D Manager at various multinational companies. In recent years, he has been active as an independent freelancer, contributing to innovative biotech companies.

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Prof. dr. Jasper Verguts

Prof. Dr. Jasper Verguts is a gynaecologist at Jessa Hospital in Hasselt, Belgium, where he leads a centre of expertise for endometriosis. He is also a professor at Hasselt University in the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences. He recently authored a highly accessible book on endometriosis.

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UniD Manufacturing

UniD Manufacturing, based in Liège, Belgium, is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in the development and production of micro- and macro-implants. The company offers end-to-end services, from proof of concept to commercialization, backed by over 20 years of expertise in polymer-based long-acting products.

The company operates GMP-approved cleanrooms suitable for multi-product manufacturing and utilizes advanced production technologies. These facilities are equipped to handle the processing of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients.

What are endometriosis and adenomyosis?

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Endometriosis is a medical condition in which endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, in locations where it doesn’t belong, often accompanied by inflammation.

Endometriotic cysts can grow near the bladder, intestines, and peritoneum, irritating surrounding nerves and causing pain and discomfort. These cysts can also grow deep into the intestinal wall — a form known as deep endometriosis. They are also commonly found in the ovaries. This inflammation can actually occur in any region of the abdominal cavity.

When there is excessive growth of endometrial tissue within the uterus, this specific form of endometriosis is called adenomyosis.

How is endometriosis currently treated?

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For the treatment of endometriosis, doctors currently have a limited number of options, including pain relief, hormone therapy, surgery, and non-medicated psychological support.

The use of painkillers is purely symptomatic, as it does not alter the underlying condition of the patient — but it remains absolutely essential.

Endometriosis is essentially a hormone-sensitive condition, so hormone therapy is the first and most logical treatment approach. The standard route involves the use of contraceptives, including oestrogens and progestogens, which are found in birth control pills, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, studies have shown that for 1 in 3 women with endometriosis, this approach is not effective enough.

Another concern is that many women experience a loss of libido and emotional exhaustion when they continue using the pill as a means of suppressing endometriosis.

GnRH antagonists are increasingly used and act directly on the brain by blocking the hormone in the hypothalamus that triggers the release of follicle-stimulating hormones and ovulation. However, this type of medication induces an artificial menopause, with all the associated side effects — including the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Surgical intervention for endometriosis becomes necessary when pain is severe and insufficiently managed by other treatments, thereby interfering with daily life. Surgery may also be required in cases of large cysts, adhesions, or when abdominal organs are affected and functional problems arise.

Which medicine will be developed for the treatment of endometriosis?

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At this moment, we are unable to share details about the medicine and the technology used, as the concept will be patented. Disclosing any information before filing the patent application would mean that it is no longer eligible for patent protection.

Securing a patent is crucial to gaining further access to the financial resources needed to eventually bring the medicine to market.

How much money is needed?

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The development of a new medicine — from concept to an approved final product — takes many years and requires tens of millions of euros. In addition, there is always the risk that the process may not yield the desired results.

That is why, at this stage, we are focusing on creating a clinically feasible and patentable prototype. While this phase is still costly, it remains financially achievable. Once the prototype is developed, the technology can be transferred to a major pharmaceutical company with the resources needed to further develop it into a market-ready drug, including the extensive and expensive phase 3 clinical trials.

Nonetheless, to develop this prototype and establish a proven proof of concept, a substantial amount of 1.5 million euros is required!

And other channels?

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In addition to crowdfunding through donations, we will also attract external investors who are willing to invest in the capital and share in the associated risk.

I donate, what do I get in return?

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With your donation, you support our scientific research and contribute to the development of a new medicine for the treatment of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Even a small amount can make a big difference!

As this crowdfunding is donation-based, it does not involve any investment through shares, and there is no financial return or compensation linked to your contribution.

I suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis, can I apply for the clinical trials?

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If you suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis, you can apply by sending an email to info@fightendometriosis.org. Based on validated protocols, it will then be determined whether or not you qualify for participation.

List of recent scientific publications by Prof. Dr. Jasper Verguts

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Prof. Dr. Jasper Verguts is a Belgium gynaecologist at Jessa Hospital in Hasselt, where he leads a centre of expertise for endometriosis. He is also a professor at Hasselt University in the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Dr. Jasper Verguts recently wrote a highly accessible book on endometriosis: Recognising and Treating Endometriosis – Jasper Verguts | Standaard Uitgeverij, 2022, ISBN: 9789022338971. - bestellen kan via bol.com

Do you have any questions or would you like to support this project in a concrete way?

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Email : info@fightforendometriosis.org

BE0847.834.735

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A special thank you to Johan De Neve for recording the videos, Marieke Bekaert for her convincing portrayal of the role of an endometriosis patient, and Dirk De Man from dmd-webdesign for the professional design of this website. Your contribution was invaluable!